JAMB Assures Parents, Candidates of Stable UTME, DE Fees for 2026

Parents and candidates planning for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) have been assured that the cost of application forms is unlikely to increase.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it has not increased UTME or DE registration fees in the last nine years, noting that costs were even reduced during the tenure of the current administration.

In its Weekly Bulletin obtained on Monday, the board explained that any future adjustment in fees would only be considered if absolutely necessary to sustain the quality and integrity of its examinations.

JAMB said the decision aligns with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, conveyed through the Minister of Education, that its operations must reflect a human-centred approach and take into account the current economic realities faced by Nigerian families.

The board clarified that the cost implication for the 2026 UTME and DE remains largely the same as that of the previous year, allowing parents and guardians to plan ahead for their children’s education.

It urged candidates to make early preparations, stressing that registration timelines would be strictly adhered to and not extended once the process begins.

Despite the reduced fees, JAMB said it has continued to operate efficiently and prudently, leading to significant remittances to the Federal Government over the years.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency and affordability while maintaining global best practices in the conduct of its examinations.

JAMB also advised candidates to verify the accuracy of their National Identification Number (NIN) details before creating registration profiles, warning that errors could cause avoidable challenges during registration or the examination process.

The sale of the 2026 UTME forms will run from Friday, January 31, 2026, to Saturday, March 8, 2026.